You need to definitely be concerned about your home’s security! How will you know when someone is targeting your home? Read the tips in this article so you can get ideas on making your home safe.

You can hide your spare key on your dog. Outdoor dogs or pet doors make this possible. Hide a key inside the collar of your dog in case you need a spare.

Do you have an outside dog? This pet may be an excellent storing spot for your spare key. Fasten the key to your dog’s collar to hide it from view. If your dog doesn’t like strangers, it’s even better.

After you purchase a new home, change the locks. You never know how many copies of the keys the previous owners made and handed out. To ensure that you are the only one who has access to your house, call a locksmith. Do the same thing if you happen to misplace a key.

If you’ve got lots of people you don’t know on your social networks, don’t let them know that you’re going to be on vacation. You may be very excited about your impending vacation, but there is no need to let potential burglars know when you will be gone.

When in the process of purchasing a home-security system, be sure to comparison shop. Prices can differ a lot among companies for the same type of protection. Be certain to obtain multiple quotes prior to making your choice.

Alarm System

You should never give details about your vacations and other plans on social networks. It’s exciting going to new places and enjoying your time, but you could alert thieves to an empty home that they can easily break into.

Don’t allow the wires of your home security system to be visible to others. Easily-accessible security wiring is a definite weak point in your home’s protection; the best alarm system in the world is useless if it’s easily disabled. Never make things easy for them. Ask the person installing it to bury the wires or hide them inside the walls. This will help to deter intruders that are looking to quickly disable your alarm system.

Do not be reluctant to meet your neighbors. Build up a rapport with the people who own homes close to yours. Ask them to watch your home if you are on vacation. Pay attention to gossip. Important security details (like the presence of strangers in your neighborhood) can come out of the most innocent conversations.

If you purchase big-ticket items, don’t throw their boxes in the trash before trash day. If you leave the boxes out all week, it lets people know what type of items you have in your home.

Have lights that sense motion. These lights will come on if someone walks near your house. Not only will they notify you of movement, they will also deter potential burglars, as thieves want to remain as inconspicuous as possible. Just remember and change out the light bulbs whenever necessary.

Check references before giving anyone access to your home. A background check is also recommended so you know if they have a criminal history. You can never be certain if the contractor, repairman, maid, etc. that you hire to do services in your home is honest. If you let these people in without knowing anything about them, you could experience significant losses.

The first step in making your home more secure is to change out your locks. Changing the locks will ensure that you are the only one who knows the combination. This is a very easy process that you can complete within a day.

Motion Detectors

Skylights need to be secure, too. Skylights are nice to bring extra light into your house, but they are also easy ways for burglars to enter your home. Make sure that you use safety hardware when the skylights are installed and maintained.

A great way to achieve extra security is to install exterior lighting equipped with motion detectors. In the evening hours, this lighting can provide extra security and an economical way to light your front entrance way when you arrive. If strategically placed, motion detectors ensure that it’s difficult for intruders to break into your home sight unseen.

Get creative and hide valuables inside your walls. This doesn’t necessarily involve chopping up your walls, either. Take a closer look at your walls and note just how many access points there are already. For example, place jewelry in an unused electrical outlet.

Make sure the outside of the house is well lit. Thieves like to commit crimes when no one can see. Install lighting anywhere a possible intruder might break in. Consider all your doors, porches, patios, decks, garages and all ground-level windows.

Don’t ever place your spare key under your mat or next you a plant box. Remember that you are not the only one who is aware of these sorts of hiding places. Intruders know about the usual hiding spots. A better solution is to give your key to a neighbor you trust.

Get your neighbors to not only pick up your mail, but also any flyers left at your door. Thieves will drop off flyers to see if home owners are away. If their fliers are not moved, the crook knows the home is unattended.

When selecting a home alarm system, choose one that protects many areas of your home, not just the doors. Each window represents a possible entry for your thief. Attach an alarm to every one of them, and make sure all entry points are monitored. Do this to keep you and your family safe.

Put a surveillance system in your home. Both hidden and visible security cameras are effective in protecting your home. Visible cameras deter the majority of intruders, and if they try to disarm them, a camera that is hidden will keep capturing footage. A lot of surveillance systems are accessible using your cell phone, so you can monitor your home while you are out of town.

Equipping each room in your house with a reliable flashlight (charged with good batteries, of course!) is an excellent safety investment. If the lights go out, they will ensure everyone stays safe. Be sure everyone in your family is aware of the location of emergency flashlights.

Could burglars see inside your garage? Make sure that they can’t! Cover windows using frosting, which you can buy at large hardware stores, to keep people from peeking in your window. Also, don’t leave your door open for long periods of time when you work there.

Before you let security company representatives into your home, check their ID. You would be surprised how many thieves will impersonate security representatives to get into your house. This situation presents danger to your home, family and belongings. Be very careful with who you let into your home.

If you purchase an expensive item, get rid of the box rather than allowing it to sit outside your home. A burglar sees this as an invitation to procure the item themselves. Break them down and put them in a bag or take them to a recycling center.

You can add a great deal of security to your home by installing a system of motion activated exterior lighting. In the evening, lights will help keep your home safe, and will add little in the way of extra expense. If positioned correctly on the exterior of your home, the motion detectors make it virtually impossible for an intruder to sneak onto your property.

If you aren’t at the house, keep the windows and curtains closed. You don’t want potential thieves knowing you are gone. If the blinds are up, then the intruders can see directly through your home. You may have things inside that will tempt them to break into your house. Your window dressing should also be closed while you sleep.

The most useful tool for finding home security is the Internet. Look at many websites and read customer reviews about the various services. Then, you can choose a top three to contact and compare details and pricing.

Talk to your home-security company to see if they provide buy and lease options for your equipment. Purchasing equipment outright will cost more initially, but may offer savings over the long term. Leasing is usually cheaper, but monthly fees can be high and you will need a contract. Compare these two options before making your decision.

Make sure the outside of the house is well lit. Darkness allows for all sorts of nefarious activities. Light up the dark spots around your home. Don’t forget that this includes ground-level windows as well as doors, garages, and porches.

Don’t keep your car registration inside the glove compartment. These documents contain a lot of sensitive personal data, like your home address. Keep them with you or hide them elsewhere. They have to be accessible in the event you are in an accident or receive a speeding ticket.

If you get home and notice an open door, do not go in to see what has happened. A thief might still be in there, which could put you in danger. Go to a neighbor’s or another safe area and call the police.

Rather than hoping your family will not be a victim of an intruder, be realistic. You never know what may happen, which is why you ought to be prepared. You must think about what you’ve read so that you can make sure your family stays safe.

Don’t leave the boxes of any high priced electronics on the curb of your house. Burglars pay attention to this, and it will make them want to break in and get the items. Remember to cut up the boxes when they’re emptied.